LAGNIAPPE
CHRISTIAN TAVELLI
GENERAL MANAGER , HOTEL RITZ MADRID
In taking over the 103-yearold icon this year , Christian Tavelli brings a fresh approach to Hotel Ritz Madrid , the Orient- Express Hotels property built by Cesar Ritz . The Swiss-educated Spaniard spent about 10 years with Rosewood hotels , including time as managing director of the Mansion on Turtle Creek , before returning home to the Ritz Madrid . By the way , 39-year-old Tavelli is still working for his former Rosewood boss , John Scott , who now heads Orient-Express Hotels .
What is your hotel pet peeve ? Lack of passion and management with fear .
What is your favorite travel item ? My iPhone and my Coach briefcase , as it has so many pockets that I perfectly arrange currencies , cards , passports , cables , papers and my MacBook , and still keep a chic look .
What is the best hotel idea you ever stole ? To have one team member be the ambassador of what the hotel raves about : director of romance at Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos , Mexico ; art concierge at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende , Mexico ; director of Portuguese culture , Vila Vita Hotel , Algarve , Portugal ; and , coming soon , chic director at the Ritz Madrid , in charge of helping our guests discover the most amazing and unique fashion and designer shops around Spain ’ s capital .
Since your wife is also a hotelier , do the two of you compare notes and ideas ? I met my beautiful wife at hotel school , and I immediately fell in love with her . Since we had children in 2004 she has played two important roles : best mother and wife in the world and best hotelier consultant when I need counseling . Being neutral , she is truly my best support when a fresh vision is needed . But watch for the next generation as Carla ( 8 ) and Junior ( 6 ) are becoming true hotel experts .
What is it that most people don ’ t know about you ? I hate tomatoes and olives but love tomato sauce and olive oil . If I am ever lost , look for me on the Balearic Island of Formentera . But don ’ t say it too loud — it ’ s a secret .
What sits on your nightstand ? “ Practically Radical ” by Bill Taylor , defined as one of the best books to create a game plan for game changers . It is the perfect mind-opening book for leaders willing to revitalize their companies and leadership strategies .
What is your favorite smartphone app ? Facebook , as it allows me to follow great hotels , restaurants and spas around the world and see what others are doing .
What historical figure would you like to host ? I would love to welcome Cesar Ritz , a true ambassador of luxury service and the genius behind the legendary Ritz Madrid .
Who taught you biggest lesson , and what was it ? My father always told me not to be concerned about things that can be solved with money , but to concentrate on my health , knowledge , helping people and being a great human being .
80 HOTELS July / August 2013 www . hotelsmag . com